My local dealer carries Columbus, Columbus Compass and Crusader fifth wheels. In your experience, which one is the better unit. We currently own a Sabre and may trade it in on one of the new mid bunk models. Thank you.

Bobmontana wrote:My local dealer carries Columbus, Columbus Compass and Crusader fifth wheels. In your experience, which one is the better unit. We currently own a Sabre and may trade it in on one of the new mid bunk models. Thank you.

Get online and shop around to find the exact floorplan you like, then start looking at dealers. Do NOT be afraid to not deal locally since you're likely to be 1) doing your own repairs due to backups at the selling dealer and can't wait for them to work you in or 2) on the road and away from your selling dealer so can't wait to get back home or for a non-selling dealer to work you in. Find a mfr that =will= allow mobile repairs and =will= send them parts when you're away from home. This is for warranty stuff. After that's done, you're on your own, but you face the same issues above.

What makes ya think GD's are better than any other brand out there???? I have two friends with them and they have the same problems as any other brand,I have met a few folks with a Columbus over my 8 years of full timing and I have not heard them complain Pick a 5er ya like do a good P.D.I. and go with it

TXiceman wrote:Neither one is better than the other. They are all pretty much the same quality. If you want a better unit I suggest that you look at the Grand Design line.

The Columbus would be slightly better finishes than the Compass series or the Crusader. Our previous 5th was a Columbus .. very nice RV but I didn't like the kitchen layout. Personally I'd look for a used high end rig .

topjimmy wrote:What makes ya think GD's are better than any other brand out there???? I have two friends with them and they have the same problems as any other brand,I have met a few folks with a Columbus over my 8 years of full timing and I have not heard them complain Pick a 5er ya like do a good P.D.I. and go with it

TXiceman wrote:Neither one is better than the other. They are all pretty much the same quality. If you want a better unit I suggest that you look at the Grand Design line.

Ken

topjimmy, I agree 100%. GD has done an amazing job of building a cult-like following and squelching naysayers. They use the same crappy components as everyone else and their builds are done just as quickly as all the rest.

I will say, their customer service seems to be slightly above the rest. At least, before they got bought out a few years back.

ependydad wrote:They use the same crappy components as everyone else and their builds are done just as quickly as all the rest.

So with that logic, why would I spend 6-figures on a DRV when I could by Forest River Salem for mid-20's?

I'm far from being a GD fan-boy, but having spent lots of time in other RV's of comparable class, the GD is a better-built, better quality unit. I did the research before buying our current GD. They're not trouble-free all the time, but it's very easy to see how they stand out.

However, none of this answers the OP's question because GD is not an option he has (or is offering to explore).

Go with what you like. My buddy has a GD and love's it. Whenever he had an issue they responded right away and ship it right out. We have a Northwood Arctic fox and love it. The only problem we've had is broken pendants lights due to the roads. Which one does your wife like? Good luck and happy travels.

O.K. like I said I have met and been inside and talked to a few folks in my travels with a Columbus and they are a nice 5er and up to par with my Montana, Grand design or ony other brand in it's class just my 2 bits from a guy who has been in an seen them all in 8 years on the road